News Summary
The Irmo community will gather this weekend at Bookman Cemetery to honor the memory of 120 enslaved individuals with a dedication ceremony of a historical marker. This significant event reflects on a profound chapter of local history, including the reinterment ceremony of the remains discovered in 2001 and a heartfelt reunion between descendants of the Lorick family and their ancestors. The ceremony will also feature guest speaker Hannah Drake, a descendant of those honored, making it a day of remembrance and community connection.
Irmo Community Unites for a Momentous Dedication Ceremony
Get ready, Irmo! This weekend, the community is coming together at Bookman Cemetery to honor a significant chapter in local history. A historical marker will be dedicated to the memory of 120 enslaved people and the family that once enslaved them, all of whom now rest peacefully in this hallowed ground.
The Story Behind the Cemetery
Located on the old Lorick Plantation site near I-26 and Broad River Road, Bookman Cemetery is more than just a patch of land; it’s a crossroads of history and humanity. The resting place for the enslaved individuals was only revealed in 2001, when remains were discovered during the construction of an auto dealership. What a find! The careful process of removal and relocation began promptly to ensure the dignity of those who had been buried there long ago.
After this important work was done, a reinterment ceremony took place on August 8, 2001. The event was led by local leaders, including Rev. Karen Young and Rev. James Rogers Williams, marking a new beginning for these souls who deserved to be honored and remembered.
Last Year’s Emotional Reunion
Just last year, there was a heartwarming moment at Bookman Cemetery when descendants of both the Lorick family and the enslaved ancestors came together for the first time. This touching reunion brought joy and a sense of connection between both families, as they gathered to reflect on their shared history.
Pastor Scott Holland from Bethlehem Lutheran Church commented on the experience, expressing happiness and gratitude for such an important coming-together of family histories. It’s not every day that families separated by centuries can reunite and share stories, and these moments are truly special.
Worship Service & Special Guest
This year’s dedication service promises to be equally moving. Guests will have the privilege of hearing from Hannah Drake, a direct descendant of Hannah and Warren Lorick. She is a co-founder of the (Un)known Project, which focuses on documenting the gravesites and stories of the previously enslaved as part of a broader aim for reconciliation and healing.
Having a speaker with such a deep personal connection to this history will undoubtedly add weight to the already emotional atmosphere of the day. Participants can look forward to a ceremony filled with remembrance, stories, and reflections on the past, as well as a hopeful vision for the future.
Join the Community Celebration
Everyone is warmly invited to be part of this important ceremony. It’s a chance not just to remember, but to take part in a community experience that acknowledges and honors those who came before us. To make things easier, a shuttle bus will be departing from Bethlehem Lutheran Church at 2:30 PM on April 27, ready to whisk attendees away to the dedication ceremony at Bookman Cemetery.
Gather your friends and family and come participate in this significant event. It’s about more than just marking history – it’s about healing and making connections that will enrich the community. Let’s celebrate our past together!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Manitowoc Expands Operations in Southeastern U.S.
Milo’s Tea Co. Opens New Facility in Spartanburg
Michael Haldeman Named South Carolina’s Small Business Person of the Year
Lift Technologies Inc. Expands in Westminster
Hopkins Gears Up for the Lower Richland Sweet Potato Festival
Charleston Boosts Submarine Production with New Acquisition
Celebration of Business Excellence in Columbia, SC
Richland County Police Make Arrests in Armed Robbery Case
Local Student Earns Second Place in National Poster Contest
Golf and Real Estate: A Winning Combination in Irmo SC
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Historic Brattonsville Cemetery Reconsecrated
- The Guardian: South Carolina Penn Center UNESCO Status
- The State: South Carolina News
- Cola Today: Columbia Guide to Juneteenth Freedom Fest
- National Geographic: South Carolina Indigo Artists
- Wikipedia: Slavery in the United States
- Google Search: Enslaved Cemeteries in South Carolina
- Google Scholar: Historical Markers in South Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Slavery
- Google News: Slave Cemeteries Reconsecration
Author: STAFF HERE IRMO
The IRMO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIrmo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Irmo, Lexington and Richland Counties, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Irmo Okra Strut Festival, Harbison Community Events, and local sports tournaments at the Palmetto Health Credit Union Foundation Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission and the Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center, plus leading businesses in retail and healthcare that power the local economy such as Village at Sandhill and Lexington Medical Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
